Becoming a father for the first time 25 years ago, the author felt unprepared for the emotional challenges of parenting. Managing his children’s diverse emotions was tough, and he realized that his older kids don’t always want to hear his advice. Despite this, he finds solace in the hope that they’ll appreciate his wisdom one day.
Category Archives: Family Stories
Would You Win Back Time for Me?
The author expresses feelings of “melancholiday” – a mix of sadness and joy during the holiday season, especially on what they call their “First Last Christmas”. The family is preparing for a significant change, as eldest daughter Audrey is set to marry, altering their longtime holiday traditions. The author reflects on the importance of cherishing time with loved ones and intends to focus more on present moments, despite nostalgic feelings.
3 Rules Every Family Should Live By
Since our eldest was born 23 years ago, Robyn and I have realized there are many things people say children should learn, many things parents should focus on to ensure their kids turn out great, to have a happy family. We’ve tried a few of them. Some of them have worked, but many of themContinue reading “3 Rules Every Family Should Live By”
10 Things Parents Can Do for Their Kids to Help Them Succeed
I have four children, so I get it. Parenting is hard. As James Dobson once wrote, it’s not for cowards. That beautiful little sleeping newborn is actually the beginning of a full grown human being, with wants, desires, attitudes, feelings, and emotions. And as that baby grows up, it will ask more and more ofContinue reading “10 Things Parents Can Do for Their Kids to Help Them Succeed”
I. Must. Write.
I’ve got to get in the habit of doing this every day, and not just occasionally. I love to write, and part of my problem is I want to have something pithy or important to say. Sadly, I don’t always have an amazing story to share or something to write about. But one thing IContinue reading “I. Must. Write.”
That Was the Year That Was: 2010
Looking back on the last year of my life, I’m amazed at what a great year 2010 was. I say that, in spite of the fact that my wonderful mother-in-law, Virginia Murphy, passed away on October 1st. You see, my MIL would tell me to not let her passing stop me from celebrating all thatContinue reading “That Was the Year That Was: 2010”
Driving at the Top of the World
I’ve driven great heights before. This week, I’d already driven the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park. It’s a national architectural and engineering landmark. It takes you from the valley floor up amazing switchbacks cut right into the cliff walls. All the way to over 6,000 feet. That’s pretty high. I’ve driven Utah State HighwayContinue reading “Driving at the Top of the World”
On the Road Again
I love road trips. I love the great American idea of getting in a car and driving across the country, seeing things you can’t see at home, experiencing places you only read about in history books or see in documentaries you stream via Netflix. I grew up taking road trips, thanks to my missionary parents. Continue reading “On the Road Again”
She Smiled
It was her smile that did it to me. I’d known her for over a year. We worked for the same company, although we rarely worked together. My schedule had me working mornings while she worked evenings. I had only met her once, when she had first started, and I hadn’t been all that impressed.Continue reading “She Smiled”
Bella Notte
I remember the first Valentine’s Day I spent with my then fiancee, Robyn, like it was yesterday. We had been dating for a little over 7 months, had been engaged for almost two, and I knew I wanted to do something romantic and special for this incredible, gorgeous, amazing woman who had surprised me byContinue reading “Bella Notte”
Duane S. Montague 